We tested out 10 bare garden hoses and rated them for their value, looks and usability.
There have been times this spring when it felt like it would never stop raining, but dry summer days will come and with them the need for a garden hose (at least until they announce a hosepipe ban). Whether for drenching your pots, spraying your borders or power-washing your car, a hose is a piece of garden kit where it pays to choose quality. After all, a hose that punctures or constantly kinks and splits will end up in landfill. Geyser Pipe Connection
The best hoses have strong, multi-layer walls that hold their shape, even when trodden or run over with wheels, so look for a hose that advertises itself as strong and 'kink-resistant'. Generally, the more layers in the hose, the higher the cost. 'Braided’ hoses implanted with a woven metal or nylon mesh increase the flexibility and robustness of the hose so this is a mark of quality too.
The style of hose you choose obviously depends on the size of your plot. For a large garden, a bare hose of 30m and longer is what you need , but if you have a small garden or balcony, a 10m spiral hose that retracts tidily may be more suitable. If heaviness as well as ease of storage is a factor, one of the ‘expandable’ hoses is worth considering. Don’t be tempted to buy a hose that is vastly longer than your growing area needs since you will just have to wrestle it about the garden. But make sure it will reach to every corner without having to put any strain on the fittings.
Looks are also important, particularly in small gardens where it’s impossible to hide anything away. Many hoses are brightly coloured but if you want something that blends in more subtely to the natural environment, there are dark green or neutral options. Plastic connection fittings do the job, though brass fittings are more resistant to breakages and provide instant class. As for size, the larger the diameter, the quicker the water is delivered, but the heavier the hose will be so bear that in mind. For most gardens ½" (12.5mm) diameter hoses are sufficient while for sprinkler systems and larger watering systems a hose of ¾" (19mm) is more suitable.
We tested out 10 bare garden hoses and rated them for their value, looks and usability.
Best all round garden hose
We like: makes watering a pleasure
This intriguing hose feels a bit different to standard PVC hoses because it is made of a durable woven fibre with a PVC inner core. It handles more like a textile than a plastic which I really liked. I also found it very easy to manoevure around the garden – it’s impossible to kink it and I found no tangling either. It’s 50 per cent lighter than regular hoses (though not as light as the expanding Superhoze) which gets a tick in my book, as does the decidedly un-garish grey colour. I tested the 25m version, ideal for small-medium gardens. It’s easy to connect with the tap connector and adjustable spray nozzle already attached. Pressure was good too. To store, loop it up and hang it on a hook or just bundle it up and store it on a shelf. The stonking 30-year guarantee is the cherry on the cake. Highly recommended.
We like: its very handsome, traditional looks
If a garden hosepipe could be said to be beautiful, this traditional number with brass fittings is it. It was designed by Beth Gregg of Claverton Cloches who found it frustrating that she couldn’t find a good-looking hosepipe that blended into her garden setting. Made of PVC in a posh British racing green with brass fittings, this feels like a hosepipe from a bygone, gentler age where gardeners had whiskers and waistcoats. Of all the hoses tested, this was the one I found myself drawn back to. It's very pleasant to handle, light to manoevure and with a nice, heavy brass spray nozzle. I particularly liked the matt rather than shiny surface texture. A matching garden reel is coming soon.
We like: relatively light to handle
This intermediate black and yellow 13mm diameter hose is decent value for money, made up of three layers and woven braid making it resistant to kinks. The weather-resistant anti-UV outer layer protects the material and the opaque middle layer prevents algae from building up inside the hose. It can handle a max pressure of 45 bar making it ideal for sprinkler systems or power washers. This can withstand temperatures from –20 to 65C. Comes with a 15-year guarantee. I found it relatively light to use so easy to manoevure around the garden. 30m and 50m lengths also available.
We like: the original colour options
Made in Sweden, this is a hose to display rather than hide away and would make a great housewarming present for someone with a balcony or small garden. On opening, it is packaged to look like a designer handbag and the range comes in a millennial-friendly range of colours – options include Rusty Rose, Black Swan, Gold Digger and Purple Rain. I tested the more neutral Sahara Sand which blended in rather nicely with my gravel paths. The 20m PVC hose is mesh-woven for greater kink-proofing. Connectors are included, colour-coordinated spray nozzle an extra (£99). If funds allow, the Scandi-chic reindeer wall mount (£255) or classic wall bracket (£65) ensure it is stored in style. 10 years warranty.
We like: the hard-wearing quality and, at 80p a metre, excellent value
If you need a really long, good quality hosepipe and don’t want to break the bank, this is a great option. The 13mm black hosepipe is of industry quality and comes in several lengths (30m, 50m, 100m and 150m). I have used the 150m one for a couple of years and it has held up excellently, stored outside all year round. With spiral braided technology and three layers composing the pipe, it never kinks or crushes, but isn’t too heavy to move about. This hose can withstand temperatures of minus 10 C without damage and is also very good at turning corners without crushing the internal core. Whatever the size of your garden, this is a good value choice.
We like: that it can be stored back in its box on a shelf over winter
This hose fits into a shoebox but can expand up to 3 times its length when filled with water. Composed of a smooth inner pipe, an elastic core and a woven textile outer layer it is lightweight and never kinks. The sunflower yellow colour doesn’t exactly blend into a garden setting but it’s easy to move and store inside on a shelf or even back in its box. I tested the 30m version and found it very easy to set up, since the kit comes with a tap connector and nozzle. Close the nozzle and turn on the tap to build up pressure so the hose can expand, then open the nozzle to water. 5 year guarantee. Not recommended for use with power washers.
Best for courtyards and balconies
We like: the fact it effectively rolls itself up so no hose wrestling required
Spiral hoses are really user-friendly for small outdoor spaces such as roof terraces, balconies and courtyards since they are short, light and easily store away. This hose stretches out to 10m and then naturally springs back into a spiral after use so no hose wrestling required. Make sure it won’t be too short for your space since tugging too hard will make the spiral lose its shape and not recoil as effectively. Since it is so light it can be hung over the garden tap and because it never trails along the ground it stays clean and protected from damage. This kit comes with all you need to get going, a tap connector and an adjustable nozzle with spray and jet settings. Comes with a 15 year guarantee.
This is a quality hose with relatively thick multi-layered walls woven with a dense spiral mesh, all of which make it feel sturdy and, as the name suggest, highly flexible. I liked the understated colour scheme of orange and grey too. The slightly raised strips running down the sides of the pipe give it a ‘power grip profile’ allowing it to connect tightly with the tap. I certainly noticed no drips. This is a hose that won’t twist or squash when you step on it. Because of the rigidity It’s worth unrolling it to let the tight packing coils relax a bit before use. Good pressure resistance too to 30 bar so ideal to use with a power washer or sprinkler. Comes with a very decent 25 year guarantee.
We like: Unlike pvc or rubber hoses, the steel doesn’t retain any memory of its past shape making it easy to coil up into a tight shape.
A metal hose might seem an odd idea but they’re a good value, highly durable choice. Made of stainless steel, they are pierce-proof and because of their metal link design unable to kink. There’s no getting away from it, they do look like a shower hose, but once you’ve got past that, they’re fun and easy to use. This stainless steel set is rust-proof and comes with the connector to the garden tap and an 8-setting spray nozzle so you can water your plants in any way you choose. It comes with a 12 month guarantee and also comes in 25ft, 75ft and 100ft lengths.
Best for crush resistance and heavy duty watering
We like: 40 per cent of the pvc is recycled
Gas Pipe Connector If you’re going to drive your car over any of the hoses tested, make it this one. The 30m (other sizes are available) pvc hose is particularly robust, with a strong smooth inner layer covered with a further three layers designed to eliminate kinking, twisting and crushing. Three raised yellow 'fins’ running down the sides of the grey hose make handling easier, allowing you to direct the hose more accurately. Ideal for washing the car and attaching to power washers and sprinklers.